There's a Major Recall of Edamame in 33 States

You might want to double-check your package of edamame before snacking—the popular Japanese appetizer might be contaminated with a dangerous bacteria.

Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp. of Rancho Dominguez, California, is recalling its edamame dated between January 3, 2017, and March 17, 2017. The reason: a potential listeria contamination, according to the FDA. The bacteria, officially known as Listeria monocytogenes, can cause short-term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea in healthy individuals. Listeria infection can be much more serious and potentially deadly in young children, frail or older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, the FDA reports. It's also especially dangerous for pregnant women, and it's known to cause miscarriages, stillbirths, and fetal infections.

The contamination was discovered during a random quality testing. It affects refrigerated, packaged edamame in eight-ounce packages labeled "Edamame—Soybeans in Pods." The packages are typically sold at sushi counters within grocery stores, cafeterias, and corporate dining centers, according to the FDA. Retailers in 33 states across the U.S. have been notified, and the product should no longer be available to buy. Just in case, the states are: AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MS, NC, NH, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, and WY.

No illnesses from the potential contamination have been reported yet, but the FDA suggests that consumers in the affected states check with their store if they think their edamame falls into the recall. If it does, you should not consume the edamame. You can return it for a full refund.

Even if you haven't purchased edamame recently, it still might be wise to exercise caution if you live in one of the states listed above. Check that your edamame is not within the recall—then snack on, my edamame-loving friends.